'Clayface' Test Screening Buzz Grows Stronger as Fans Call It a Banger

DC Studios has been quietly developing one of its most unique projects yet, and the excitement emerging from early screenings indicates that the risk might actually be worthwhile. ‘Clayface’ represents the studio’s first genuine horror venture, moving away from capes and world-ending stakes to explore something much more personal and unsettling.

Directed by James Watkins, the film features a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with Flanagan credited for the original story. Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood star whose life descends into horror after a brutal disfigurement drives him toward the villain known as Clayface.

Recent insights from a test screening have only intensified the anticipation that DC Studios may have struck gold. According to insider Cryptic HD Quality, Hagen undergoes several transformations throughout the film, contradicting earlier claims that his body horror would be limited to smaller, partial shifts. Attendees reportedly rated the film between 7.5 and 8 out of 10.

This update marks a significant change from initial leaks from the first test screening weeks ago, which stated there would be no full body transformations and that Hagen’s powers would only manifest through minor limb-based mutations during moments of rage. The latest reports suggest that Clayface ultimately achieves his full comic-accurate transformation later in the story, addressing a key question about the film’s fidelity to the character’s classic appearance.

Contrary to early reports, Clayface transforms multiple times, including a full transformation later on. Multiple sources rate the film around 7.5 – 8/10, once again praising its body horror, high emotional stakes, and Tom’s acting in the film.

I think we got a banger. https://t.co/8xbzgq8tXS pic.twitter.com/b2VwgQNjUb

— Cryptic HD QUALITY (@Cryptic4KQual) July 1, 2026

Audience feedback has consistently highlighted the same elements across multiple test screenings, particularly praising the film’s unflinching body horror, emotional depth, and Harries’ performance as the central anchor. Viewers have drawn comparisons to ‘Joker,’ ‘The Substance,’ ‘Vanilla Sky,’ and even ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ showcasing the diverse influences that suggest this project diverges from a typical comic book formula.

The film’s origins trace back to a pitch Flanagan presented directly to DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who initially did not foresee ‘Clayface’ becoming a real DC Studios production until he heard the concept. Gunn described the project as a body horror film that just happens to exist within the DCU, crediting Flanagan’s finished script for persuading him to proceed, as he mentioned in comments to Entertainment Weekly.

The narrative follows Hagen as a fading star whose obsession with reclaiming his lost identity leads him to an experimental underground treatment, ultimately consuming him as grief and rage propel his transformation into something monstrous. Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James comprise the supporting cast, with reports also indicating that Aaron Paul has joined in a minor role.

Notably, Batman is absent from the film, with no references made to him throughout the story, allowing Clayface’s arc to remain entirely self-contained rather than integrating it into the broader DCU narrative. This standalone approach seems to resonate with test audiences, providing the film the space to function primarily as a character study rather than a conventional comic book adaptation.

The stakes for a positive reception are particularly high following the performance of DC’s last theatrical release. ‘Clayface’ is set to debut as the third film in the new DCU after the underwhelming box office results of ‘Supergirl,’ placing significant pressure on Watkins’ film to demonstrate that the franchise can creatively rebound even without adhering to a traditional superhero framework.

With ‘Clayface’ scheduled for release on October 23, this latest wave of test screening reactions provides DC Studios with much-needed momentum as the year progresses. If the reported ratings hold true once the film reaches general audiences, it could become one of the most unexpected highlights in the studio’s revamped lineup.

Are you more excited for ‘Clayface’ now that a full transformation is reportedly confirmed? Share your thoughts in the comments.